Political Science Major

12 credits in political science electives (not including PSCI 405, PSCI 365 or single credits given for participation in the Model Arab League or the European Union Simulation), up to three of which can come from 100-level courses or internship credits or service-learning credit.

*One advanced course in American political institutions will be selected from PSCI 312, 315, 317 or 318. **Political Science majors who also wish to major or minor in International Studies should speak to an academic advisor in the department for specific requirements

Political Science Minor

Minors in political science are required to take 18 credit hours consisting of PSCI 100 and 15 credits in political science electives (not including PSCI 405, PSCI 365 or single credits given for participation in the Model Arab League or the European Union Simulations), up to three of which can come from the 100-level courses or internship credits or service learning credit.

Learning Goals of the Political Science Major

Political Science majors at Mount Saint Mary’s University are expected to graduate with a basic understanding of the field of political science. To that end, the Department of Political Science has established the following five learning goals to measure student achievement, and a means to assess student success. All students in the Political Science major are expected to:

complete a major research project in a subfield of political science, demonstrating a competent ability to pose and analyze an important questions using philosophical, legal, qualitative or quantitative methods.

elucidate a proficient familiarity with the nature, evolution, theoretical framework, and purposes of features of the international political system, including state and nonstate actors, international law, and international organizations.

demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences of political systems and cultures around the world.

make informed and reasoned arguments concerning issues pertaining to constitutional democracy in contemporary America, demonstrating familiarity with the history, operations and salient features of American politics.

to understand the evolution of Western political thought and ideologies, including emerging ideologies, and the impact of some key figures in the realm of political thought.